East of the Altar

Description

The self-titled debut album by the American jazz-rock group East of the Altar was independently released by the band on Altar Production in 1977. The album was recorded by James Stroud at Malaco Studios in Jackson, Mississippi; June 6-9, 1977, with Stroud and the band producing. (Band name taken from II Chronicles 5:11-14.)

This male Louisiana foursome’s custom reminds me a lot of the breezy sunshine approach of early Sweet Comfort Band. Spirited songs with a light jazzrock angle and a bit of jamming (some good electric guitar, organ, electric piano), along with a few loungy soft jazz ballads ala Sonlight. Opens with a version of Ken Medema’s «On A Day Like Today» with brisk electric bass and vibraphone soloing. Tell me they don’t sound dead-on like Sweet Comfort Band on «I May Never Pass This Way Again». Cool echoed electric guitar solo on «Can I Trust Him With My Life?». Shifts into moody realms for the dreamy ballad «Two Worlds». Also some good rural folkrocking, including covers of songs by Dove («Preacher Man»), The Way («There’s A Love») and The Talbots («Coming Home To Jesus»). «Show Them The Way» closes the album with smooth-rippling bongo percussion, warm harmonies, summery organ and jazzy acoustic guitar soloing. Nice wholesome sound through and through. Colorful psychedelic cover. [Ken Scott, The Archivist, 4th edition]

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “On A Day Like Today” – 3:16
A2. “Two Worlds” – 5:36
A3. “Preacher Man” – 3:35
A4. “Can I Trust Him With My Life” – 4:25

Side Two
B1. “I May Never Pass This Way Again” – 3:18
B2. “There’s A Love” – 2:54
B3. “Coming Home To Jesus” – 3:16
B4. “Suffer The Children” – 3:42
B5. “Show Them The Way” – 3:20

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CREDITS. Produced by East of the Altar and James Stroud and engineered by James Stroud. Recorded June 6-9, 1977 at Malaco Studios, Jackson, Mississippi. An Altar Production.

Musicians: Ken Fletcher (vocals, acoustic guitar, bass, congas, percussion), David Crockett (vocals, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, bass, percussion), Stan Armor (vocals, keyboards, bass, percussion), Mark Smith (drums, congas, vibes, organ, percussion).